Can new tires make THAT much of a difference?
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dolce far niente
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Can new tires make THAT much of a difference?
I've been riding all year on a set of Michelin Orium's. They were on the bike when I bought it. At about 1100 miles I got two flats in a week. The back tire had a couple of small cuts, the front was fine. I always pump them to pressure before each ride.
I bought a pair of Conti GP 4000's and rode them 20 miles today. Wow what a difference. immediately felt less rolling resistance and just seemed faster. Now the Orium's are not top of the line but mid-grade. At the end of the ride I was .9 mph faster than normal and they just seemed to be more comfortable on the road.
Can it be the tires or is much of this in my head?
I bought a pair of Conti GP 4000's and rode them 20 miles today. Wow what a difference. immediately felt less rolling resistance and just seemed faster. Now the Orium's are not top of the line but mid-grade. At the end of the ride I was .9 mph faster than normal and they just seemed to be more comfortable on the road.
Can it be the tires or is much of this in my head?
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dolce far niente
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The GP4000s are about 2/3 the weight of the Oriums. This means they are much easier to get moving, so you will accelerate quicker with the same amount if power production.
They also cost about 3 times as much. Whether 0.9mph average is worth 3 times as much is a very personal thing.
They also cost about 3 times as much. Whether 0.9mph average is worth 3 times as much is a very personal thing.
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dolce far niente
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Good points barturtle. I looked up the orium and they are about $36 a pair, So you're right $60 more, but amortize that over 2-3 years use and better performance and it's probably a good investment to upgrade
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That's for sure. I use race tires on one of my bikes. Flat protection sucks, and they wear out in 2000 miles. But dang, they sure roll well and the feel is great.
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#9
I am the Snail~!
Let's not forget! A CLEAN bike is a faster bike too! Your Drag cohieficiesient (hate it when too far off for spell check!) is better by 0.0029!
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Tire width and inflation are also factors.
Then again, this is my first real fall riding and am finding wind can make a HUGE difference... like 5-6 mph average.
Then again, this is my first real fall riding and am finding wind can make a HUGE difference... like 5-6 mph average.
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OK were not exactly flying here. I don't think you need "clean" and "dirty" specs.....It could just be me but I know I produce more drag then the bug guts.....